Press release: NHS Lanarkshire re-enters Code Black

Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has called for urgent action from the Scottish Government after NHS Lanarkshire declared a Code Black situation – less than three months after stepping down from the highest level of risk.

Scotland’s NHS follows a traffic light system indicating its levels of risk – green when health services are functioning, amber when functioning following intervention and red when significant intervention is required. A Code Black is called when services are experiencing ‘immediate and tangible impact’.

NHS Lanarkshire declared a Code Black situation in October 2021 and was only stood down to red on May 4. It was placed back into the highest level on Wednesday (July 27).

Scottish Labour and Co-operative representative Monica said: “NHS Lanarkshire re-entering Code Black less than three months after standing down from the highest level of risk should be a real wake up call to the Scottish Government – urgent action is needed, and it is needed now.

“The SNP has fallen asleep at the wheel and can’t continue to use COVID as an excuse for a health board on its knees.

“Patients need safe and sustainable care. Operating at Code Black means the system is not coping. This is bad for staff and patients alike.

“We need long-term solutions, not sticking plasters. The Scottish Government must focus on what our NHS and social care services need to survive and thrive.

“We can’t go on like this. The people that I represent in Lanarkshire – those requiring care and those desperately trying to provide it – deserve better and I will continue to demand action from the Scottish Government.”

ENDS